RNA and protein synthesis in human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Abstract

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMN] purified from human peripheral blood synthesized RNA and proteins when placed in cell culture. Autoradiography of the cultured cells revealed that a majority of mature PMN were engaged in macromolecule synthesis, and an analysis of newly synthesized proteins by SDS[sodium dodecyl sulfate]-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that many different polypeptide chains were synthesized by these cells. The rate of [3H]uridine incorporation and the pattern of newly synthesized proteins were modulated by Con A [concanavalin A] and glucocorticoids. These results suggest that in spite of their short lifetime and a large preformed enzymatic apparatus, mature PMN retain a substantial capacity for RNA and protein synthesis; and, further, that modulation of macromolecule synthesis forms part of the mechanism by which PMN respond to inflammatory and anti-inflammatory stimuli.